Security professionals fear smartphone threat

Ninety per cent of security professionals believe that smartphones pose a significant risk to the enterprise, according to a new survey of over 2,000 members of security certifications organisation ISC2.

Employees are increasingly bringing their own smartphones to work and using them for corporate purposes, but ISC2 explained that, instead of banning them outright, IT security chiefs should learn how to accommodate them safely into the organisation.

"Internet phones are like wireless networks four or five years ago: security professionals are against them because of the security problems, but in reality people like to use them," said John Colley, European managing director at ISC2.

"We have to relax and find ways of making them secure, which will need a combination of rules, education and technology."

However, Colley warned that, aside from the BlackBerry, many smartphones "do not have a good security model behind them". He urged security professionals to engage with manufacturers and suppliers to address the problem.

"Targeted attacks represent a significant threat, but most losses come from the accidental threat - leaving handsets in taxis and so on - where password protection can help," he said.

Copyright ©v3.co.uk

What are your thoughts on this article? Add your comment below.

To begin commenting right away, you can log in below or register an account if you don't yet have one. Please read our guidelines on commenting. Offending posts will be removed and your access may be suspended. Abusive or obscene language will not be tolerated. The comments below do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of SC Magazine, Haymarket Media or its employees.

NOTE: You must be a registered member of SC Magazine to post a comment.

Click here to login | Click here to register
comments powered by Disqus
Sign up to receive SC Magazine email newsletters
   FOLLOW US...
Most Read